Australia's Premier Open Wheel Category, Australian Formula 3 Championship will return next year to the streets of their spiritual South Australian home, at the 2012 Clipsal 500 Adelaide.
The March 1-4 event will mark the Gold Star’s return to the Adelaide parklands circuit for the first time since 2009, set to again bring their mix of Australia’s fastest racing cars and the young driving stars of the future to Adelaide and a circuit that is a key figure in Australian open wheel history.
Whilst reflecting on the history of the circuit, the round will also look forward to a bright future for Formula 3 in Australia. As the opening round of the 2012 championship, the Clipsal 500 will help usher in a new era for the championship with new vehicles becoming eligible for the championship next year - and new stars from Australia and the world set to tackle the series once again.
Since 2006 drivers from ten countries have battled against Australia’s finest to win the highest award in Aussie motorsport – the CAMS Gold Star – setting plenty of lap records and providing thrilling racing in the process.
Adelaide is the home to two professional Formula 3 teams – six-time champions Team BRM and R-Tek Motorsport – whilst a new two-car team from Asia has indicated their intent to compete at the event next season, amongst other national and international interest already being received.
“The Clipsal 500 circuit is one of the best tracks, anywhere,” said Formula 3 stalwart and current (2011) championship leader, Chris Gilmour.
“To be able to race on a circuit that has so much history is amazing - and that’s before you find out that it’s also a hugely challenging, especially when you’re sitting six inches from the ground in a concrete canyon and approaching turn eight at 245km/hr.
“We take that corner absolutely flat out without lifting off the throttle – and it’s a pretty eye opening experience. It’s awesome Formula 3 is heading back to the Clipsal 500 Adelaide and we’ll make sure we put on a great show.”
Formula 3 cars are made by constructors including Dallara and Mygale, and are powered by two-litre, Production based engines producing approximately 240HP. Weighing just 540kg with drivers on board, the cars accelerate from zero to 100km/hr in under 3 seconds.
A Formula 3 car holds the current Adelaide Parklands circuit outright lap record, New Zealand driver Earl Bamber setting the benchmark at 1:18.6011, in 2008. More information about the event can be found at www.clipsal500.com.au
The F3 Australian Drivers Championship acknowledges and thanks 2011 partners Kumho Tyres, Forpark Australia, ELF (Race Fuels), Performance Friction Brakes and Race Torque Media for their support.
More information can be found at www.formula3.com.au
